Driver training rules in Vermont

✓ Checked against official sources · 2026-10-18

Driver training rules in Vermont for teen and adult driver's education, CDL schools, carriers that train their own drivers and school bus drivers, each with a link to the official source. Federal ELDT rules (49 CFR Part 380) apply in every state on top of these.

Driver education (teens)	Required ages 16-17: state-approved course of 30 hours classroom, 6 hours behind-the-wheel, 6 hours observation.source 1 · source 2
Supervised practice (teens)	40 additional practice hours (10 at night); hold learner's permit at least 1 year before a junior license.source 3 · source 1
New adult drivers	No course for 18+ (driver ed is tied to the 16-17 junior license, 23 V.S.A. § 607). The statute sets no minimum permit period for adults (23 V.S.A. § 606); a DMV FAQ says permits are held one year before the road test, so the adult waiting period is not settled. Permit holders of any age drive with a licensed adult 25+.source 4 · source 2 · source 5
Who licenses driving schools	DMV Commissioner licenses driver training schools and instructors.source 6 · source 7
CDL training: state rules beyond federal ELDT	Federal ELDT only (curriculum in 49 CFR 380, TPR provider) before the CDL skills test; Vermont adds that for-hire ELDT providers in Vermont must be licensed driving schools.source 8 · source 9
CDL schools: state license	Yes. Any for-hire driver training school, including CDL ELDT providers in Vermont, needs a DMV Commissioner license.source 4 · source 9
CDL schools: state hours or curriculum	Federal ELDT only; DMV points to the 49 CFR 380 curriculum, and no state CDL hours are set.source 8
CDL schools: instructor rules	Yes. CMV instructors need a state instructor license, a CDL of the same or higher class with the needed endorsements, and either 2+ years' CMV driving experience in that class or 2+ years as a behind-the-wheel instructor. They must also pass the Commissioner's exam and the felony and DUI checks (23 V.S.A. § 705, amended 2025).source 4
Carriers training their own drivers: license	Exempt. "Driver training" is instruction for hire and excludes employers teaching their own employees.source 4
Carriers: hours or curriculum	No state hours for anyone; federal ELDT only.source 8
Carriers: instructor rules	Not required. An "instructor" is someone giving "driver training", which excludes employer-to-employee instruction; federal 380.605 applies.source 4
New school bus drivers	Complete federal ELDT and attend the Vermont School Bus Clinic; S endorsement holders also submit a DOT physical and pass the School Bus exam.source 10 · source 11 · source 12
School bus refresher	Must attend a school bus clinic and retake the DMV school bus exam to renew the endorsement; cycle length not stated.source 13

Driving manuals and handbooks

Official publications from Vermont, checked 2026-10-19. Read them here or download them; the state's own copy is always linked.

Driving jobs in Vermont

Rules change. Always confirm with the state agency before you rely on a rule. Something out of date? Email terry@eldt.courses.

Federal rules in every state

CDL entry-level driver training must come from a provider listed on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry, for a first Class A or B CDL, an upgrade to Class A or B, or a first P, S or H endorsement (49 CFR 380.609). See ELDT record keeping under 49 CFR 380.

Sources

1. https://dmv.vermont.gov/node/198
2. https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/23/009/00607
3. https://dmv.vermont.gov/node/199
4. https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/fullchapter/23/009
5. https://dmv.vermont.gov/node/202
6. https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/23/009/00702
7. https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/23/009/00701
8. https://dmv.vermont.gov/node/2411
9. https://dmv.vermont.gov/node/2416
10. https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2024/WorkGroups/Senate%20Transportation/Agency%20of%20Transportation/W~Patrick%20McManoman~School%20Bus%20Flow%20Sheet~3-22-2023.pdf
11. https://dmv.vermont.gov/event-types/school-bus-clinic?page=1
12. https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/23/013/01282
13. https://dmv.vermont.gov/node/817

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